Money and Cars

Car insurance initiative could give over-50s drivers a lift

Monday 16 June 2014

• One in five over 50s are unsure about date of motoring offences
• 23% apparently don’t state their driving history accurately, when applying for cover
• Many motorists don’t realise penalties have expired

Car insurance initiative could give over-50s drivers a lift

An insurance industry initiative, aimed at stopping car insurance fraud in its tracks, could also mean lower premiums for experienced motorists, a Saga Car Insurance poll* has found.

The change means British drivers will soon be able to provide their Driving Licence Number (DLN) when applying for cover under the MyLicence initiative. The scheme, which is being introduced by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), simply means insurers will receive correct details about motorists’ driving history. And according to the Saga poll of more than 9,700 drivers over 50, many of them stand to benefit from the law change.

When asked about recent driving convictions, a fifth of over 50s said they were less than 50% sure of the year that they last received one.

The MyLicence scheme, from the Department of Transport and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), means that when customers browse online, or call insurers for a quote, they may be asked to provide the 16-character code on their driving licence. Information is then retrieved from the DVLA about the type of licence a customer holds, how long they’ve had it and whether there are convictions attached to it.

The poll also found that one in 10 over 50s was uncertain of the year of their last motoring accident. Roger Ramsden, chief executive, Saga services, commented: “Many people, of all ages, find recalling exact dates a challenge. But not being precise when it comes to motor insurance can have huge financial consequences – if you get the details of an accident wrong; or, if you forget about one scrape but go on to make a claim. This new initiative will ensure that people are protected and don't pay more than they ought.”

ENDS

*Populus interviewed 10,630 Saga customers, all aged 50+, online between 15 and 23 May 2014. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules; for more information see www.populus.co.uk.